Our News

Nanette Swan crowned Regional Dementia Care Champion

Nanette Swan, Home Manager from Dene Grange Care Home in Hexham has been crowned the RegionalDementia Care Champion for the North East of England, South West and Bristol in the Four Seasons Health Care Awards 2016 and is through to the national finals.

These are the 1st Four Season’s Care Awards and this Year over 700 people were nominated for awards by care home residents, colleagues and visitors. All entries have been of a very high standard making the judging process a difficult one. However, a winner had to be chosen and the nomination for Nanette demonstrated how she continues to make a difference and provide special resident experiences on a daily basis.

During the judging process for the Regional Dementia Care Champion award, the panel was looking at a number of different factors including demonstrating a passion for dementia care and how they have gone the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of residents living in our homes with dementia.

Nanette was nominated by a colleague. Her nomination read: “Nanette has been an absolute pioneer during the Dementia Care Framework process. She has been a pleasure to work with and the changes her and her team has implemented to the already beautiful Dene Grange have improved the experience for all of the residents who live there. She is beloved by her team who she leads well and from the heart, and is truly passionate about the quality of care provided to her residents. She has represented Four Seasons at the Alzheimer’s Road Show, demonstrating her vast knowledge of dementia awareness whilst displaying compassion when speaking to people about the service provided by the organization. Nanette is the leader of what is one of the most person centered dementia service I have ever had the pleasure of stepping foot in. She is a true care giver, an amazing woman to work with and a leader in dementia care.”

As the winner for the North East of England, South West and Bristol, Nanette is automatically through to the national Four Season’s Care Awards finals. She will meet a panel of judges in for the last round of judging and will then join finalists from across the UK in Birmingham for a special event to celebrate their achievements and discover if they have won a national award.

Jacky Reed, Regional Manager for Four Seasons Health Care Newcastle and North Tyneside, said: “Nanette is a fantastic individual and a true embodiment of the Dementia Care Champion. She knows everything there is to know about dementia, which results in her team being extremely well led. Congratulations Nanette! You are truly deserving of this special accolade.”

Amanda Cunningham, Managing Director for Four Seasons Health Care in the North East of England, South West and Bristol, said: “Nanette has managed the service thorough times of difficulty and has led by example. She embraced the Dementia Care Framework with vigor, all with the aim of developing the service to the full to fulfill the lives of her residents. She is a shining example to us all.”

The Care Awards were open to employees from all Four Seasons homes across the UK and central team members to celebrate their commitment in the delivery of high-quality services to approximately 14,000 residents cared for in more than 300 locations.

The 14 categories have been created to recognise excellence in a variety of roles across the organisation ranging from ‘Carer/Support Worker of the Year’ to ‘Personal Activities Lead Champion’. We also wanted to recognise the hard the dedication and commitment from our residents, their relatives and volunteers.

Tim Hammond, CEO of Four Seasons Health Care said: “The award categories are all really important as we want to highlight the fantastic people we have working here in our organization. However, I believe it is important to acknowledge the special people who go above and beyond to help others in the community, and this is why our ‘Resident or Relative Contribution’ and ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards are so important to us.

“I look forward to seeing all of our Regional winners at the National Finals in December.”